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Cutter's Code #2
Operation Reunion
"I thought you were through with me."
What does the dog know? When Kayla meets Cutter, the big, brown Belgian, she's at a crossroads. She's certain she's about to clear her brother of her parents' murder. But Dane, her longtime love, is just as sure that she's wasting her life. One man needs her. The other, apparently, doesn't… Although it breaks her heart, the choice is made.
Only, Dane Burdette isn't going anywhere. As loyal as that dog, he still loves the beautiful girl next door, even if her life has been derailed. And when danger comes back to their small town, he knows she�and their love�is at risk. Kayla has made her quest her life. Neither Dane nor Cutter will let it take her life, too.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
105 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Justine Davis
257 books218 followersAuthor biographies are supposed to give you all those statistics, books written, awards won, etc. and I will, I promise...but first let me tell you about this ornery little tomboy (back then, the boys had all the fun...) who was always the one to make up the stories the neighborhood kids would "play". For those who came of age in the computer game era, this is something that was done usually in the backyard, by any number of summer-bored children, with props where appropriate. (Did you know a 55 gallon drum tied to a picnic bench makes a very cool horse?) It wasn't until much later that this tomboy realized two things: A) not everyone made up stories in their heads all the time, and B) in real life, the boys that had already had all the fun now seemed to always be winning.
But I digress. I was born on a farm down in Iowa....well, not quite, but close; Boone, Iowa is in the middle of farm country, but I arrived at a hospital. In a snow storm. Make that a blizzard. My sister tells me she knew my destiny when I was very young, because when I first saw the Disney classic Old Yeller, I was apparently so upset that I promptly went home and rewrote the story. In my version, the dog lived, of course. Should have been a clue.
Possibly in response to that blizzard I was born in, I've been a West Coaster since before I was a year old, and intend to stay that way. I have a history of staying. I started my first full time job right out of school (well, there was a very brief sojourn at a place where they made, among other things, burial vaults, but I prefer not to recall that one...) and stayed for twenty-one years. I've been married to the same wonderful guy for going on two decades now. We lived in our last house for seventeen years. (I won't even mention how many dumpsters we filled moving after that long....)
Readers seem as fascinated by my first career as they are with my writing. My time in law enforcement was many things, exciting, nerve wracking, and irritating, but most importantly never, ever boring. It was fascinating enough that I didn't think about writing seriously for several years. I kept a journal, and wrote long letters, collected quotes, mentally rewrote movies, and still made up those stories in my head, but never dreamed of actually writing for publication. I was having too much fun helping to catch bad guys, and being continually amazed at the situations people get themselves into. And eventually I walked away with a wealth of background and story ideas, and knowing some truly great people who work very hard to keep all of us safe. I'm proud to have been one of them, and I'm very aware that I have had the great good fortune of having had two jobs in my life that I love. Many people don't get even one.
But now that I'm in the delicious position of being able to make a living telling those stories in my head, I promise my readers two things: A) I'm staying--I'll keep writing as long as you keep reading, and B) in my stories, the girl--tomboy or not--always wins!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And now, the official stats:
Justine Dare Davis sold her first book in 1989, and followed that up with the sale of nineteen novels in less than two years. Her first four books were published in 1991, and she saw all reach the finals for either the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award or the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA Award. She has since won the RITA award four times, along with several Reviewer's Choice awards and three Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. At the 1998 national conference, Justine was inducted into the RWA Hall of Fame, making her one of a very select group of just eight writers. She also had four titles on the Romantic Times "Top 200 of All Time" list. Her sales now total more than 45, and her books have appeared regularly on best seller lists, including the USA Today list. She has been featured in several local newspapers and nationwide by Associated Press, has appeared on CN
But I digress. I was born on a farm down in Iowa....well, not quite, but close; Boone, Iowa is in the middle of farm country, but I arrived at a hospital. In a snow storm. Make that a blizzard. My sister tells me she knew my destiny when I was very young, because when I first saw the Disney classic Old Yeller, I was apparently so upset that I promptly went home and rewrote the story. In my version, the dog lived, of course. Should have been a clue.
Possibly in response to that blizzard I was born in, I've been a West Coaster since before I was a year old, and intend to stay that way. I have a history of staying. I started my first full time job right out of school (well, there was a very brief sojourn at a place where they made, among other things, burial vaults, but I prefer not to recall that one...) and stayed for twenty-one years. I've been married to the same wonderful guy for going on two decades now. We lived in our last house for seventeen years. (I won't even mention how many dumpsters we filled moving after that long....)
Readers seem as fascinated by my first career as they are with my writing. My time in law enforcement was many things, exciting, nerve wracking, and irritating, but most importantly never, ever boring. It was fascinating enough that I didn't think about writing seriously for several years. I kept a journal, and wrote long letters, collected quotes, mentally rewrote movies, and still made up those stories in my head, but never dreamed of actually writing for publication. I was having too much fun helping to catch bad guys, and being continually amazed at the situations people get themselves into. And eventually I walked away with a wealth of background and story ideas, and knowing some truly great people who work very hard to keep all of us safe. I'm proud to have been one of them, and I'm very aware that I have had the great good fortune of having had two jobs in my life that I love. Many people don't get even one.
But now that I'm in the delicious position of being able to make a living telling those stories in my head, I promise my readers two things: A) I'm staying--I'll keep writing as long as you keep reading, and B) in my stories, the girl--tomboy or not--always wins!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And now, the official stats:
Justine Dare Davis sold her first book in 1989, and followed that up with the sale of nineteen novels in less than two years. Her first four books were published in 1991, and she saw all reach the finals for either the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award or the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA Award. She has since won the RITA award four times, along with several Reviewer's Choice awards and three Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. At the 1998 national conference, Justine was inducted into the RWA Hall of Fame, making her one of a very select group of just eight writers. She also had four titles on the Romantic Times "Top 200 of All Time" list. Her sales now total more than 45, and her books have appeared regularly on best seller lists, including the USA Today list. She has been featured in several local newspapers and nationwide by Associated Press, has appeared on CN
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 17, 2017
Kayla was sixteen when her parents were murdered. Her older brother fled from the scene of the crime and was considered the prime suspect. Kayla believes him to be innocent and has been searching for him for ten years now and trying to prove his innocence. She receives an occasional letter in the mail from him, but there is never any indication of where he could be. Her relationship with the love of her life, Dane, has suffered immensely from her ten year obsession with trying to find her brother, who obviously doesn’t want to be found. Dane is tired of coming in second place with Kayla, and he puts an end to their relationship.
Despondent and alone, one day while Kayla is at the post office, she sees a strange dog that seems to be beckoning her to follow him. She follows the dog, Cutter, who happens to lead her to Quinn and Hayley who are part of the Foxworth Foundation. The Foxworth Foundation specializes in “lost cause” cases, and they, along with Cutter the dog, persuade Kayla to let them take on her case of finding her brother and finding her parents’ murderer. Dane is also persuaded to give this a try in the hopes that the Foxworth Foundation (which has a great success rate in their cases) will finally be able to put an end to Kayla’s obsession and save their relationship.
This is book #2 in the Cutter’s Code series. (Book #1 featured Quinn and Hayley’s story and introduced the mysterious dog, Cutter.) I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I loved reading about more adventures with Cutter. Cutter is different than most dogs; he is very perceptive, knows things and can pick up on things that others can’t, and seems to have almost magical qualities about him. He mystifies everyone that meets him. I absolutely loved him. Kayla and Dane were very likable characters who were obviously meant to be together. And it was great to have Quinn and Hayley play big roles in this book, as well. A truly wonderful read.
Despondent and alone, one day while Kayla is at the post office, she sees a strange dog that seems to be beckoning her to follow him. She follows the dog, Cutter, who happens to lead her to Quinn and Hayley who are part of the Foxworth Foundation. The Foxworth Foundation specializes in “lost cause” cases, and they, along with Cutter the dog, persuade Kayla to let them take on her case of finding her brother and finding her parents’ murderer. Dane is also persuaded to give this a try in the hopes that the Foxworth Foundation (which has a great success rate in their cases) will finally be able to put an end to Kayla’s obsession and save their relationship.
This is book #2 in the Cutter’s Code series. (Book #1 featured Quinn and Hayley’s story and introduced the mysterious dog, Cutter.) I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I loved reading about more adventures with Cutter. Cutter is different than most dogs; he is very perceptive, knows things and can pick up on things that others can’t, and seems to have almost magical qualities about him. He mystifies everyone that meets him. I absolutely loved him. Kayla and Dane were very likable characters who were obviously meant to be together. And it was great to have Quinn and Hayley play big roles in this book, as well. A truly wonderful read.
April 27, 2024
This isn't the usual Romantic Suspense story - there's very little action here. But there is plenty of suspense. It comes from the relationship between Kayla and Dane. Kayla has spent the last ten years searching for her older brother, who disappeared the night she came home and found her parents murdered. Dane has spent the last ten years supporting and loving Kayla, until recently, when it's become too much for him, and he's realized he will always play second fiddle to Kayla's obsession with her missing brother. There just isn't room for him to be in her life, not the way he wants to be.
Then Kayla meets a group of people who specialize in solving hopeless cases, and it looks like they might find her brother. That mystery was interesting enough, but the real heart of this book is watching how Kayla's unrelenting search for, and belief in, her brother is damaging her relationship with Dane. How far can one person go to support someone they love, when that person isn't supporting them? How far does the damage of trauma spread in relationships? What will Kayla and Dane's relationship look like when the truth is finally known? These questions made this a book I didn't put down. It was truly compelling. 4.5 stars
NB - I have to say the dog was sweet, but I didn't believe in him for even one moment, and that gave the story an unreal feeling that's too bad. Because otherwise I thought this look into a deeply strained relationship was top notch.
Also, I haven't read any others in this series. As usual, it really doesn't matter. This type of series is only loosely connected and each book usually stand alone just fine. This one did.
Then Kayla meets a group of people who specialize in solving hopeless cases, and it looks like they might find her brother. That mystery was interesting enough, but the real heart of this book is watching how Kayla's unrelenting search for, and belief in, her brother is damaging her relationship with Dane. How far can one person go to support someone they love, when that person isn't supporting them? How far does the damage of trauma spread in relationships? What will Kayla and Dane's relationship look like when the truth is finally known? These questions made this a book I didn't put down. It was truly compelling. 4.5 stars
NB - I have to say the dog was sweet, but I didn't believe in him for even one moment, and that gave the story an unreal feeling that's too bad. Because otherwise I thought this look into a deeply strained relationship was top notch.
Also, I haven't read any others in this series. As usual, it really doesn't matter. This type of series is only loosely connected and each book usually stand alone just fine. This one did.
March 11, 2013
Cutter, the dog from Operation Midnight, is back. Now he has brought a new person needing help to the Foxworth Foundation. Kayla's parents were murdered ten years ago, and her older brother was suspected of doing it. He ran rather than sticking around, but periodically sends Kayla a note saying he didn't do it. She has spent those ten years trying to find him and prove him innocent. For all of those ten years she has been supported by the man she's loved since she was sixteen even though he thinks she's wrong. When he has enough of coming in second to her search he breaks things off.
I loved both Kayla and Dane. Kayla has always loved her brother, but has had a blind spot regarding his character. She could never see when he was being manipulative. Meanwhile Dane had a very good idea of what Chad was capable of. Kayla was so obsessed with her search for Chad that she took Dane and his love for granted. At the start of the book Dane had already pulled the plug on their relationship and Kayla was dealing with those feelings of loss. I loved the way that Cutter brought her together with Quinn and Hayley and how their involvement gave Kayla the hope she needed. Even though they aren't together anymore Kayla still loves Dane and nothing is going to change that. She also begins to realize how unfair she has been to Dane and that perhaps she has really lost him for good. It is especially hard for her when he stays around to help protect her but she sees that he has buried his emotions to the point of being impersonal with her. There were several places where her pain brought me to tears. The love she and Dane had was so strong that neither could really let go.
Dane was so patient that it wasn't surprising he had lasted this long. But even his love was having a hard time dealing with Kayla's obsession. Dane knew very well what Chad was like but could never make Kayla see it. Even though he had broken off his relationship with her, he couldn't stop looking out for her. I loved the way he researched the Foxworth Foundation when he found out they were going to help Kayla. He also couldn't stop himself from getting involved in her protection even though his brain told him to walk away. I really felt bad for him with the way he had loved her for so long but still felt like it wasn't enough.
The romance between Kayla and Dane was long standing but in trouble because of her brother. While the passion between them was evident, it was the emotional torture that was the main part of the story between them. As a romance, you know there will be a happy ending, but the journey there was not an easy one. As good as that aspect of the story was, the dog absolutely stole the show. I loved the way everyone would wonder whether he was more than just a dog. The were some really fun places when Cutter would definitely make his preferences known and the people involved would go along with him. I also loved how he seemed to know who needed him most.
The suspense part of the story was also good. It moved along at a good pace. The mental parts were great and the action gave enough danger to keep the heart rate up. The resolution was well done. I had started to suspect the truth by that time and was glad to see the way it worked out.
I loved both Kayla and Dane. Kayla has always loved her brother, but has had a blind spot regarding his character. She could never see when he was being manipulative. Meanwhile Dane had a very good idea of what Chad was capable of. Kayla was so obsessed with her search for Chad that she took Dane and his love for granted. At the start of the book Dane had already pulled the plug on their relationship and Kayla was dealing with those feelings of loss. I loved the way that Cutter brought her together with Quinn and Hayley and how their involvement gave Kayla the hope she needed. Even though they aren't together anymore Kayla still loves Dane and nothing is going to change that. She also begins to realize how unfair she has been to Dane and that perhaps she has really lost him for good. It is especially hard for her when he stays around to help protect her but she sees that he has buried his emotions to the point of being impersonal with her. There were several places where her pain brought me to tears. The love she and Dane had was so strong that neither could really let go.
Dane was so patient that it wasn't surprising he had lasted this long. But even his love was having a hard time dealing with Kayla's obsession. Dane knew very well what Chad was like but could never make Kayla see it. Even though he had broken off his relationship with her, he couldn't stop looking out for her. I loved the way he researched the Foxworth Foundation when he found out they were going to help Kayla. He also couldn't stop himself from getting involved in her protection even though his brain told him to walk away. I really felt bad for him with the way he had loved her for so long but still felt like it wasn't enough.
The romance between Kayla and Dane was long standing but in trouble because of her brother. While the passion between them was evident, it was the emotional torture that was the main part of the story between them. As a romance, you know there will be a happy ending, but the journey there was not an easy one. As good as that aspect of the story was, the dog absolutely stole the show. I loved the way everyone would wonder whether he was more than just a dog. The were some really fun places when Cutter would definitely make his preferences known and the people involved would go along with him. I also loved how he seemed to know who needed him most.
The suspense part of the story was also good. It moved along at a good pace. The mental parts were great and the action gave enough danger to keep the heart rate up. The resolution was well done. I had started to suspect the truth by that time and was glad to see the way it worked out.
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March 13, 2025Animal Fiction, Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Military Romance, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective, Action & Adventure Romance
Miniseries
Cutter's Code (Book #2)
reissue
Miniseries
Cutter's Code (Book #2)
reissue
April 22, 2013
This is second Cutter's code book. Cutter steals the story again. This is the third Cutter's Code story that I have read. It's my least favorite story of the three. It is still a good story but not as good as the other two. I just did not connect with Kayla and the others. Also had some love scenes that I skipped over.
Kayla when she was sixteen her parents were robbed and murdered in their own home. The police think her brother did it. She has spent the past 10 years looking for her brother after he took off after the murder. She gets postcards every once in awhile saying he was okay and was innocent. She has also been in love with Dane for that long of time.
Dane lived next door to Kayla since she moved in when she was 14. They were both smart and became good friends. After her parents were killed they even got closer. They were almost always living together. He just broke off their relationship. He could not handle being second to her brother anymore. She always chooses Chad over him. He still loves her though.
Cutter brings her to Quinn at the post office after she received another post card. Hayley and Quinn tell her that they can help what ever the problem is. They promise to help her find her brother, but warn her she might not like what they find about her parents murders.
Dane is afraid they might be after her money to look for chad. He checks them out and tells Hayley that he will be there for one more try if she will give up after this and try and work better to be their for each other. Dane does not like Hayley's brother and now he thinks he did kill them.
Lots of emotional problems between Hayley and Dane. Some suspense, lots of drama. Cutter steals the show again. (he is a dog who is smart, and knows who needs his help.)
I bought this on amazon because I really liked the two other Cutter's code books that I have read. I will look for more Cutter Code's books in the future.
Publisher: Harlequin (February 19, 2013) 288 pages
Kayla when she was sixteen her parents were robbed and murdered in their own home. The police think her brother did it. She has spent the past 10 years looking for her brother after he took off after the murder. She gets postcards every once in awhile saying he was okay and was innocent. She has also been in love with Dane for that long of time.
Dane lived next door to Kayla since she moved in when she was 14. They were both smart and became good friends. After her parents were killed they even got closer. They were almost always living together. He just broke off their relationship. He could not handle being second to her brother anymore. She always chooses Chad over him. He still loves her though.
Cutter brings her to Quinn at the post office after she received another post card. Hayley and Quinn tell her that they can help what ever the problem is. They promise to help her find her brother, but warn her she might not like what they find about her parents murders.
Dane is afraid they might be after her money to look for chad. He checks them out and tells Hayley that he will be there for one more try if she will give up after this and try and work better to be their for each other. Dane does not like Hayley's brother and now he thinks he did kill them.
Lots of emotional problems between Hayley and Dane. Some suspense, lots of drama. Cutter steals the show again. (he is a dog who is smart, and knows who needs his help.)
I bought this on amazon because I really liked the two other Cutter's code books that I have read. I will look for more Cutter Code's books in the future.
Publisher: Harlequin (February 19, 2013) 288 pages
August 12, 2013
Very disappointing read from such a normally prolific writer. The main characters were boring. the story dragged as they searched for the heroine's missing brother. The dog, Cutter, was the star of this book.
August 10, 2024
This book was quite sad but good. This story was a second chance reunion romance.
This story is about a young woman named Kayla. She met Dane when she was a young girl sitting up in a tree. Dane met Kayla and he became a friend to her. Kayla has a brother who disappeared after their parents were murdered. Kayla and Dane started dating and living together. Kayla’s brother goes missing and she spends time looking for him which begins to throw distance between Kayla and Dane. Dane thinks that it’s time for Kayla to give up on looking for her brother. One day after throwing away a note she meets up with a rather peculiar dog 🐕 named Cutter. Cutter brings her to Quinn from book one. She tells Quinn and his wife about her brother and when he went missing. Quinn said that he would help to find her brother. Dane is hurt about all the time Kayla is spending on trying to find her brother and not doubting that he is quilts of a crime. Eventually her house gets fire bombed and she has to spend time with Dane. There is hurt and resentment but also a rekindling of their feelings for each other because of Cutter. I felt bad for both Dane and Kayla and how much hurt that there was between them because of Kayla’s brother. Her brother is found thanks to Quinn and some other people. Kayla’s brother was a complete piece of work and not a good person. I almost feel that Kayla and Dane didn’t sit down together and talk through their issues before they got back together. I think they needed more time to talk to each other about their problems before their romance is rekindled. I did enjoy reading this book.
This story is about a young woman named Kayla. She met Dane when she was a young girl sitting up in a tree. Dane met Kayla and he became a friend to her. Kayla has a brother who disappeared after their parents were murdered. Kayla and Dane started dating and living together. Kayla’s brother goes missing and she spends time looking for him which begins to throw distance between Kayla and Dane. Dane thinks that it’s time for Kayla to give up on looking for her brother. One day after throwing away a note she meets up with a rather peculiar dog 🐕 named Cutter. Cutter brings her to Quinn from book one. She tells Quinn and his wife about her brother and when he went missing. Quinn said that he would help to find her brother. Dane is hurt about all the time Kayla is spending on trying to find her brother and not doubting that he is quilts of a crime. Eventually her house gets fire bombed and she has to spend time with Dane. There is hurt and resentment but also a rekindling of their feelings for each other because of Cutter. I felt bad for both Dane and Kayla and how much hurt that there was between them because of Kayla’s brother. Her brother is found thanks to Quinn and some other people. Kayla’s brother was a complete piece of work and not a good person. I almost feel that Kayla and Dane didn’t sit down together and talk through their issues before they got back together. I think they needed more time to talk to each other about their problems before their romance is rekindled. I did enjoy reading this book.
October 14, 2023
Ten Year Wait
Dane could not take it any more. It had been 10 years since Kayla is parents deaths and her brother Chad had been on the run for killing them. Almost like clock work Chad sent her a note telling her he did not do it and he loved her. This day was different as Karla walked out the post office as this dog came up to her and took the note she threw on the ground. This started another adventure and this one would answer many questions and maybe save Dane and Kayla's love.
Dane could not take it any more. It had been 10 years since Kayla is parents deaths and her brother Chad had been on the run for killing them. Almost like clock work Chad sent her a note telling her he did not do it and he loved her. This day was different as Karla walked out the post office as this dog came up to her and took the note she threw on the ground. This started another adventure and this one would answer many questions and maybe save Dane and Kayla's love.
June 10, 2020
Exceptional Story
I read book one in this series and it was great, book two was also exceptional. I love Cutter he seems almost human. I eagerly await book three.
I read book one in this series and it was great, book two was also exceptional. I love Cutter he seems almost human. I eagerly await book three.
December 18, 2020
Not sure anyone does romance better. 3rd in this series that I've read and planning on working my way through the series. Just having fun with Cutter.
March 21, 2024
Good book good series!
March 30, 2017
Loved this story -- definitely recommend the series!
February 28, 2024
I loved this book. I think all dog lovers will enjoy this book. Cutter is not just a dog. He is a matchmaker, guard dog, therapy dog and so much more. He always knows what to do to help. Kayla, and Dane fell in love when Kayla was 14 years old. They met up in a tree. Kayla has been looking for her brother for 10 years. Dane has always been by her side. He is tired, and feels like he is coming in second place. He breaks things off. Kayla meets Haley, and Quinn and their dog Cutter. They agree to help her find her brother. Dane agrees to give this one more try, and so does Kayla. Cutter knows the two belong together. It was funny that he was always pushing them together. This was a good second chance romance book with suspense, and action.
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December 29, 2014Miniseries: Cutter's Code
Category: Suspense
Category: Suspense
October 8, 2013
Cutter the dog matchmates couples in this Harlequin series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews